The collaboration between the Economic, Social, and Cultural Council of the African Union (ECOSOCC) and the Pan-African Parliament has been commended as a pivotal achievement in advancing free movement across the continent.
It has been hailed as instrumental in fostering integration and cooperation among African nations.
This was highlighted in the report of the mission on ECOSOCC-Pan-African Parliament Working Session on Advancing Free Movement in Africa’ that was presented to the Pan-African Parliament Committee on Trade, Customs, and Immigration matters.
Following the ECOSOCC proposal for collaboration with the Pan-African Parliament, the two organs convened a working session with the Pan-African Parliament Committee on Trade, Customs, and Immigration Matters from 6th to 7th March 2024 in Mahé, Seychelles.
The session had also attracted the participation of the Permanent Committee on Cooperation, International Relations and Conflict Resolution, regional integration and migration experts, and representatives from civil society.
In that session the representatives of the Pan-African Parliament were Hon. Dr Sherief Mostafa Al-Gabaly from Egypt, the Chairperson of the Committee on Cooperation, International Relations and Conflict Resolution, Hon. Sen. Prof. Margaret Kamar from Kenya, Hon. Laila Dahi from Morocco, Hon. Hanna Belkir from Central African Republic (CAR), Hon. Abdou Said Mdahoma from Comoros and Hon Wavel Woodcock from Seychelles.
The objectives of the session were to build African parliamentarians’ knowledge of the Free Movement of Protocol (FMP) especially its benefits and the opportunities it represents; engage influential Member States in an in-depth assessment of key issues affecting the ratification of the FMP; identify parliamentarians with knowledge of the benefits of ratification and strategies for effective lobbying.
Notably, the discussions from the session have mapped the way forward- focused on creating an action plan with specific timelines and strategies for promoting the FMP Protocol and also assessed key issues and addressed the lack of awareness, implementation challenges, and the need for harmonizing legal and regulatory frameworks.
Among its various recommendations, the Committee suggested the need for intensive sensitisation campaigns to raise awareness among policymakers, parliamentarians, civil society organisations, and the general public about the Free Movement Protocol, focusing on its objectives, principles, benefits, and addressing concerns; organization of capacity building training; harmonization of laws; monitoring and evaluation of implementing the protocol; engagement with stakeholders and prioritization of parliamentary engagement.
“The ECOSOCC-Pan-African Parliament Working Session was pivotal in advancing the discourse on free movement in Africa. The session achieved its objective of enhancing understanding and support for the Free Movement Protocol, identified barriers to ratification and implementation, and formulated a comprehensive action plan.
“The collaborative efforts of Parliamentarians, ECOSOCC, and other stakeholders have set a strong foundation for future endeavors in achieving the goal of free movement across Africa.”
